Starring
- James McAvoy
- Michael Fassbender
- Hugh Jackman
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Patrick Stewart
- Ian McKellan
- Peter Dinklage
- Halle Berry
Original Theatrical Release Date: 05/23/2014
Running Time: 131 mins
Synopsis: The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. The beloved characters from the original "X-Men" film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from the past, "X-Men: First Class," in order to change a major historical event and fight in an epic battle that could save our future. --From Rotten Tomatoes
Review: The X-Men franchise has had its ups and downs, with 'X2: X-Men United' probably being considered the best by most, and 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' faring among the worst. I, personally, liked all four of the 'X-Men' movies, and found both of the solo Wolverine outings a bit disappointing. But all in all, I'm a fan of the series as a whole. And if you are, then you're in for a treat.
'Days of Future Past' isn't as good as the previous installments. It's better. The storyline involves a somewhat dystopian future where machines called Sentinels are sent out to eradicate mutants. The plan backfires on the humans to a point, as the Sentinels not only target mutants, but they start targeting regular humans that do carry the necessary genetics to pass along to their potential mutant offspring. There doesn't seem to be a split between good and bad mutants in this future, as Professor Xavier and Magneto (played again by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan) are working together to try to stop this from happening. Enter Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde who uses her powers to send Wolverine's conscious back into the body of his younger self. This is where the series of course starts to merge the original series with the 'First Class' series. His objective is to partner with Professor X and Magneto of the past (James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender) to stop Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from killing the creator of the Sentinels, as her actions are pretty much what causes this terrible future. From that point, you just watch the Butterfly Effect take hold as different actions cause aspects of history to change. To see if it pans out, you'll have to see the movie for yourself.
I was completely engaged the entire time. But that isn't saying that this new 'X-Men' isn't without its flaws. It's hard to tell whether this is a sequel, or a reboot. I know the cast is the same. So it should be a sequel, right? Well, therein lies the problem. 'Days of Future Past' does acknowledge bits and pieces of the previous movies. But it also completely ignores others. If director Bryan Singer had decided to completely retcon, or ignore the events of, 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine', erasing them from the canon, that would be one thing. But the continuity will definitely make you scratch your head in confusion. How is X alive? How did Y get this power? And so forth. So the movie forces you to remember the moments of the older movies that are referenced in this one, and pretty much throw the rest out of the window.
If you're wanting an excellent 'X-Men' film, you have it in 'Days of Future Past'. Not since 'X2' has the series been this exciting. And while I do wish some of the continuity was explained or addressed, I'm also okay with just going with the flow and seeing what the franchise has in store for it next. 'Days of Future Past' has a great story, great cast (including cameos from earlier stars of the series), and astounding special effects. With a year full of superhero movies, 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' ranks as the best one for me thus far.
'Days of Future Past' isn't as good as the previous installments. It's better. The storyline involves a somewhat dystopian future where machines called Sentinels are sent out to eradicate mutants. The plan backfires on the humans to a point, as the Sentinels not only target mutants, but they start targeting regular humans that do carry the necessary genetics to pass along to their potential mutant offspring. There doesn't seem to be a split between good and bad mutants in this future, as Professor Xavier and Magneto (played again by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan) are working together to try to stop this from happening. Enter Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde who uses her powers to send Wolverine's conscious back into the body of his younger self. This is where the series of course starts to merge the original series with the 'First Class' series. His objective is to partner with Professor X and Magneto of the past (James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender) to stop Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from killing the creator of the Sentinels, as her actions are pretty much what causes this terrible future. From that point, you just watch the Butterfly Effect take hold as different actions cause aspects of history to change. To see if it pans out, you'll have to see the movie for yourself.
I was completely engaged the entire time. But that isn't saying that this new 'X-Men' isn't without its flaws. It's hard to tell whether this is a sequel, or a reboot. I know the cast is the same. So it should be a sequel, right? Well, therein lies the problem. 'Days of Future Past' does acknowledge bits and pieces of the previous movies. But it also completely ignores others. If director Bryan Singer had decided to completely retcon, or ignore the events of, 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine', erasing them from the canon, that would be one thing. But the continuity will definitely make you scratch your head in confusion. How is X alive? How did Y get this power? And so forth. So the movie forces you to remember the moments of the older movies that are referenced in this one, and pretty much throw the rest out of the window.
If you're wanting an excellent 'X-Men' film, you have it in 'Days of Future Past'. Not since 'X2' has the series been this exciting. And while I do wish some of the continuity was explained or addressed, I'm also okay with just going with the flow and seeing what the franchise has in store for it next. 'Days of Future Past' has a great story, great cast (including cameos from earlier stars of the series), and astounding special effects. With a year full of superhero movies, 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' ranks as the best one for me thus far.
Score:
